The Barkot–Silkyara Bend Tunnel Project, a significant infrastructure development along National Highway 134, has reached a critical milestone with the successful breakthrough of the tunnel. This achievement was officially recognized during a ceremony attended by Uttarakhand Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami and Shri Ajay Tamta, Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways.
Chief Minister Dhami described the tunnel breakthrough as a defining moment for the state, emphasizing Uttarakhand’s growing role in India’s infrastructure transformation. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his leadership and continuous support in driving forward development initiatives across the region.
Shri Ajay Tamta commended the teams involved in the project, noting that the rapid progress reflects the strong governance at both state and central levels. He highlighted recent improvements in regional infrastructure, particularly the conversion of single-lane routes into two-lane highways as part of the Char Dham corridor, which has significantly improved connectivity.
In addition to the tunnel milestone, the day marked the consecration of the newly constructed Baba Baukhnag temple. This fulfills a commitment made by the Chief Minister to local residents following the tunnel collapse incident in November 2023.
The tunnel, stretching 4.531 kilometers, is a two-lane, unidirectional passage that will provide year-round connectivity between Dharasu and Yamunotri. Once operational, it will cut travel time from nearly one hour to just five minutes. The project is expected to facilitate trade, support tourism, and promote economic growth while reducing environmental impact in sensitive forest areas.
Rodic Consultants, a prominent firm in engineering and digital infrastructure, was appointed as the Construction Supervision Consultant for the tunnel. The firm oversaw critical construction phases, providing expert guidance on design, safety, and compliance standards.
Rodic’s Chairman and Managing Director, Shri Raj Kumar, stated, “Our involvement in the Barkot–Silkyara Bend Tunnel Project has been both a responsibility and an honor. From implementing high safety benchmarks to adopting digital tools for project management, our team has remained committed to delivering precision and accountability. This breakthrough signifies more than engineering success—it’s an investment in the region’s connectivity and resilience.”
Rodic maintained strict quality oversight, conducting laboratory testing on construction materials and performing field evaluations on structural elements such as sprayed concrete and rock bolts. The firm also optimized resource allocation and ensured smooth operations on-site. Their use of a digital Request for Inspection (RFI) system and data digitalization has further improved project transparency and efficiency.
With the tunnel breakthrough now complete, the project progresses to its final phase, which includes road surfacing and the installation of electrical and mechanical systems. Once finalized, the Barkot–Silkyara Bend Tunnel will stand as a model of modern infrastructure, underscoring the benefits of collaboration between public authorities and private sector expertise.
